Israeli Strikes Escalate With First Hit Inside Beirut

A Palestinian militant group reported on Monday the death of three leaders in an Israeli airstrike within Beirut, marking the first such attack within the city as tensions rise between Israel and Iran's regional allies. The strike raises concerns of a broader conflict involving Iran and the U.S.

A Palestinian militant group reported on Monday that three of its leaders were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting Beirut, marking the first such attack within city boundaries amid escalating hostilities. The strike took place in the Kola district, hitting the top floor of an apartment building, according to Reuters witnesses.

Israel's military had not commented at the time of reporting. The rising number of Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi militia in Yemen has sparked fears of a widening conflict that could ensnare Iran and the United States, Israel's principal ally.

In tandem with targeting the Hezbollah militia, Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah port have resulted in casualties, with at least four reported dead and 29 wounded. Meanwhile, Lebanon's Health Ministry reported over 1,000 Lebanese deaths and 6,000 injured in the past two weeks due to ongoing strikes, triggering a humanitarian crisis.

The U.S. has called for diplomatic solutions but also readied its military for reinforcement. President Joe Biden emphasized the necessity of avoiding an all-out war in the Middle East, signaling ongoing discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

(With inputs from agencies.)